In what is one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory, the Dallas Mavericks have high expectations heading into 2021. After finishing last year with a 42-30 record, and pushing the Los Angeles Clippers to seven games in their first-round series, the Mavs will look to go even further this season.
With new head coach Jason Kidd, a revitalized Kristaps Porzingis, and a good supporting cast, Luka Doncic is primed to have an all-time season for this version of the Mavericks. The 22-year-old Slovenian star is already a two-time first-team All-NBA selection and is on the shortlist as one of the five best players in the NBA.
He is also on the short list for this season’s NBA MVP candidates alongside the likes of Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The fourth-year star is a triple-double threat every night he steps on to the floor and his incredible vision, passing, and scoring make him one of the more complete players in the NBA today.
Doncic’s offensive game has few weaknesses. He has a competitive streak that is rivaled by few, and his desire to win is virtually unmatched. But does that make Doncic the front runner to win the NBA MVP this season?
The Mavs guard appears to be on track for another high usage rate. In his incredible playoff series against the Clippers last season, Doncic had a usage rate of 39.1 percent, the highest in NBA history for a player that played at least 200 playoff minutes according to NBA Stats.
He will be heavily relied upon each night to be the Mavericks primary ball-handler and scorer. And with the hopeful resurgence of Mavs center Kristaps Porzingis as a co-star, Doncic should be able to put up video game like numbers.
With an improved roster, a new offensive scheme, and a retooled bench, the Mavericks have a roster capable of reaching at least the second round of the playoffs this season. If the Mavericks can win 50 games and advance to at least the second round of the playoffs, Doncic’s name will be firmly in the MVP discussion all season long.
This year’s MVP competition will be stiff for Doncic, however, with the likes of Durant, Giannis, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry, and others vying for the NBA’s top individual award. Doncic though, after leading Slovenia to a fourth-place finish in the Olympics, appears to be in better physical condition, and ready for the grind of an 82-game season.
“Those guys won MVP, championship, I still didn’t win nothing,” Doncic said. “So I got a long time to go it's only my fourth year, but you know it’s always great to hear those names by your name.”
Doncic might just be happy to be in the MVP conversation, but those who have watched the Slovenian perform up to this point know the humble star has the game to be in the MVP hunt not just this season, but for years to come.
Doncic and the Mavericks kick off their 2021-22 season Thursday against the Hawks.
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